Abstract

We report a novel laser–assisted thermal poling technique for producing quasi–phase–matched (QPM) structures in planar x–cut Lithium Tantalate. As a proof of concept, low loss annealed proton exchanged (APE) waveguides were subsequently fabricated in these structures in order to demonstrate efficient second–harmonic generation (SHG) of blue light. Though others [1,2], have demonstrated higher QPM SHG conversion efficiencies in z–cut LiNbO₃ and LiTaO₃, we believe this process for x–cut material shows great promise for achieving higher SHG efficiencies. Furthermore, this process is compatible with the preferred crystallographic orientation for on-chip integration of IO (integrated–optic) devices such as high quality intensity modulators.

© 1992 Optical Society of America